Synergy (from the Greek syn-ergos, meaning working together) describes a situation where different entities cooperate advantageously for a final outcome.
It means the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts.
It means teamwork produces a better result than if each person was working individually. The 2009 Boca Grande Fall Festival weekend sure proved that theory.
The Fall Festival's main objective is to raise money for the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund, but the end product was something even richer. For months a diverse group of Boca Grande folks and the surrounding communities have diligently worked together united by a common goal. As a result, new personal and business relationships were forged and the festival gave everyone a reason to laugh, dance, eat, drink and play.
The words "Thank You" seem so inadequate for such a blessing. But, on behalf of the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and myself, I must say a giant thank you to Elite Sponsors: Gasparilla Properties, Grande Aire Services Inc., Hudson's Grocery and Comcast, and Mosaic Supporting Sponsors: Key Agency Inc., Insurance, McHugh-Porter Builders Inc., Caddy Carts, Jackson Optical, Thoroughbred Golf Carts, Quality Self Storage, Englewood Community Hospital, Boca Beacon, The Gasparilla Inn and The Gasparilla Inn and Golf Club.
A special thank you tgoes to Gasparilla Inn General Manager Jack Damioli, Executive Chef Peter Timmins, John Reecher, food and Beverage manager; golf pro Robert Duke and the incredibly kind and professional staff who worked tirelessly to make our event a success.
Fact Box
he BGACC Scholarship Fund awards $1,000 scholarships to qualifying high school students with a commitment to continue the award annually up to four years if students maintain the designated grade point average and enrolled full time in a higher educational institution. The BGACC distributed $35,000 this year to local young men and women.
The Pink Elephant also deserves kudoes for playing host to the Barbecue Cookoff Meeting as do all participating restaurants in the "Taste of Boca" Awards Party after the Gasparilla Properties & Grande Aire Services Fall Scramble: Sister's, Temptation, 3rd Street Caf, South Beach Bar & Grill, Palmetto Grill, Eagle Grill & Dockside, Boca Grande Baking Co., The Pink Elephant, The Pass Club, The Loose Caboose and The Grape Vine.
Other thank yous:
PJ's Seagrille, Boca Grande Baking Co., Temptation Restaurant, Hudson's Grocery, Eagle Grill, Loose Caboose, PJ's Seagrille, Key Agency Inc. Insurance, South Beach, Palmetto Grille, 3rd Street Caf, The Boca Grande Fire Department, The Pink Elephant, 3rd Street Caf, Jeff Strother for providing fabulous barbecue delights for the Street Party.
The Boca Grande Fire Department, who once again happily took on the Chamber's "honey do list."
The Charlotte Stone Crabs and their mascot "Stoney."
All churches for an outstanding Sunday Brunch.
Jo Weir, Boca Grande Community Center recreation director, for organizing the Kids Fishing Tournament.
Nat Italiano and the "Spaghetti Crew" for another wonderful traditional Island spaghetti dinner.
Jennifer Kelly, executive director of the Lemon Bay Arts Academy and the Englewood Elite Troupe, for a great performance.
Carol Stewart, Kelly Reark, Patty Seidensticker, Karen Hugger, Sue Spurgeon, Grace Harvey, Patricia Cook, Ken Burkhart, Kerry Hunter, Larissa Wells, Diane Todd, Judi Hamilton, Bonnie McGee, Mishka, Kevin Hyde, Les Diaz, Susan Rachles, Anita Frank, Doris D'Angelo, Jay Post, Mike Gerlach, Charlene Brown, Herb Coleman, Dave "Smitty" Smith, Steve Mason, Gary Dutery, Jack Grey, Nell Iba, Richey Edwards, Lisa Hensen, Judy Morrison, Joyce Anderson, Joanne Lippert, Mark Spurgeon, Mike Vollmer, and Sandy Burkhart for lending their talents and energy to the cause.
The BGACC Scholarship Fund awards $1,000 scholarships to qualifying high school students with a commitment to continue the award annually up to four years if students maintain the designated grade point average and enrolled full time in a higher educational institution. The BGACC distributed $35,000 this year to local young men and women. We applaud and support them for continuing their education.
Lynda Lancaster is executive director of the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce
